SATURDAY January 22, 2022
Rejoice in the Lord
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
Philippians 4:4-5
I could not help but think to myself, Paul, how can you rejoice when you are in chains? But Paul did! Even though Paul was in prison, he rejoiced, and encouraged the believers in Philippi to do likewise.
Rejoicing is an attitude we all need to have in this life. We need to learn to believe and trust that God will work things out for the best in all our problems and situations. Whatever trials you may be going through today, God will take care of them. Resting in this truth will help you to rejoice in the Lord!
Paul went on to exhort the Philippian church to let their gentleness be known to all men. In Christian character, gentleness is as humility and meekness. It is a gentle strength that can only be operated through the Spirit of God (Galatians 5:23).
Next, I am glad that Paul warned us with these words––The Lord is at hand. Paul always lived in expectancy of Christ’s return. Do you? Remember when Jesus told His disciples: And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also (John 14:3). Know this, if Jesus said it; He will fulfill it. Jesus will come again in His time; not in the time frame we think.
Living in the anticipation of Jesus’ soon return, should cause us to be not so concerned about our own lives, but to think of others. Take a good look around you––people need Jesus! What will happen if they are not ready for His coming? Imagine the shock when they are left behind to live in a world of utter chaos, suffering, and lawlessness during the Tribulation Period.
That is why it is important for unbelievers to see you rejoicing in the midst of your problems. They will ask you the reason for your joy. They will want what you have––Jesus!
A rejoicing heart soon makes a praising tongue.
~C.H. Spurgeon~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
